With a cap and trade system that includes agriculture, farmers are in the position to simultaneously reduce up to 1/5th of current US greenhouse gas emissions, while improving their own economic viability.

The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that agriculture contributes 6-8% of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, particularly nitrous oxide and methane. At the same time, studies confirm that certain changes in agricultural practices, paired with the foresting of marginal agricultural lands, could offset up to 20% of current U.S. greenhouse gases.

As a result, farm conservation practices are among the most cost-effective, readily available ways to reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.

American agriculture will be significantly affected by certain aspects of climate change, such as the increased probability and severity of flooding and soil erosion. However, a cap and trade carbon market that includes agriculture will provide enormous opportunities for farmers to help prevent and offset these challenges.

Agriculture can and will play an important role in the emerging green economy.